How to know if there's "abuse" in your relationship.

Not the most sunniest of articles, however, a lot of people does not know what constitutes abuse..therefore it is a much needed article.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. UNDERSTAND THE CONTINUUIMS OF VIOLENCE:
   Options of the victim:
   Continued, escalating abuse
   Separation from the abuser
   Death by accident or murder
   Change the abuser by specialized therapy
2. Types of abuse
   PHYSICAL
   Pinching, Squeezing, Slapping, Shoving, Shaking, Denying basic needs, Hitting, Kicking, Choking, Targeting, Throwing objects, Bruising, Smashing things, Fists through walls, doors, furniture, Destroying property, Abusing pets, Throwing victim, Household items used as weapons, Restraining and hitting, Threatening with knives,guns,or other weapons, Abuse during pregnancy, Lacerations, Broken bones, Internal injuries, Using knives, guns, Irreparable injury, or Death.
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL
   Jokes and insults, Ignoring feelings, Yelling, Name calling, Intimidation, Repetition, Targeting, Humiliation, Threats of retaliation,(threatening suicide), Degrading, Demanding all of your attention, Threats against children, marriage, Mixed signals, Lack of cause and effect, Questions your sanity, Complete isolation, Suicide.
4. SOCIAL/ENVIRONMENT
   Capitalizes on myths and roles concerning your same gender
   Degrades your culture, nationality, profession, religion.
   Show of strength
   Threatens and abuses your children, family or friends
   Makes you financially dependent
   Eliminates your support systems
   Complete isolation
5. SEXUAL
   Criticism of your sexuality, Unwanted touching, Demanding frequent sex ,Name calling
   Humiliation, Incest,Promiscuity,Uncomfortable sex, Forceful Sexual Contact (RAPE), Sexual contact after beatings, Sexual contact with weapons, Sexual contact resulting in permanent injury, Rape with murder.

Tips & Warnings

• All of us yell at one time or another to "be heard". Don't confuse the two. There is an intimidating yell and there is a "I just need to be heard" yell. Neither is pleasant and should be controlled.
• Violence results in the domination and control of the victim and in a perceived sense of powerlessness on the part of the victim. Domestic violence is progressive in frequency, intensity and deviation. It has the potential to be lethal; and in later stages is predictably lethal.